A health care system that works for all children
Children’s health covers myriad issues. This paper focuses on those aspects of children’s health where ADCS members feel there is greatest need. Given the volume of children with mental ill health and emotional distress, and the deficiency in the provision of mental health services, the main focus of the paper is the mental health and wellbeing of children. The paper takes a life course view of child health and it brings into scope specific cohorts, such as children in care and children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), as local authorities (LAs) have clear duties and responsibilities for these vulnerable youngsters. Principles of early intervention and integrated working are underpinning themes throughout the paper. The paper also seeks to maintain visibility on the impact of poverty and inequality on children’s health and their wider outcomes
